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NRG Installs Additional EV Charging Stations in Houston

By Carolyn J Dawson

TMCnet Contributor

eVgo, an auxiliary of NRG Energy Inc., has launched four new high-capacity quick charging eVgo Freedom Station sites in and around Houston. NRG aims to improve their network in Texas and offer increased charging choices to electric car drivers.

The four charging stations have been installed at Cracker Barrel stores in Kingwood, League City, Pearland and West Houston. Owners of electric vehicles, who have subscribed to eVgo network, can now charge their vehicles at these stations at any time, day or night.

In a statement, Sandra B. Cochran, president and CEO at Cracker Barrel said, "Cracker Barrel has a history of pioneering products and services that meet our guests' needs as they travel the highways and byways across the country. The installation of electric vehicle chargers once again allows us to offer travelers a convenient, accessible place to "fill up" their cars, enjoy a meal and shop all in one stop."

The initial Cracker Barrel locations offered gasoline pumps, as the organization’s founder, Dan Evins, had previously worked at Shell Oil. Evins wanted to innovatively sell gasoline and provide great food and authentic generosity.

Travelers benefit with this arrangement as they can not only fill their tanks, but order and eat meals at the same time.

One DC Fast charger is present at every eVgo Freedom Station at Cracker Barrel. A vehicle can go up to 50 miles after charging for 15 minutes. A Level 2 charger is also present at the charging station, which can offer a maximum of 25 miles after charging for 1 hour.

Houston currently has 17 DC fast chargers in operation – the highest in any metropolitan area nationwide. NRG had already installed four eVgo Freedom Station sites at Cracker Barrel stores in Arlington, Burleson, DeSoto and Mesquite in June.

Arun Banskota, president of eVgo said, "We are proud to help make Houston more electric vehicle friendly and to take a leadership role in creating a rapid charging network for electric car drivers. Cracker Barrel's proximity to highways is a natural fit for eVgo Freedom Station sites and offers EV drivers a great place to re-fuel their cars and themselves."